Malicious Code Injection in crude_constrictor_z3n Package
Summary
MAL-2025-101109: Malicious code in crude_constrictor_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The crude_constrictor_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem and is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign. This package is designed to facilitate the automatic generation and publication of derivative packages, which are often used to inflate developer reputation scores for token rewards. However, it has been identified as containing malicious code that compromises its integrity and the security of the npm registry.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability originates from the crude_constrictor_z3n package, which includes scripts that modify the package.json file to remove private flags, alter version numbers, and generate random package names. This behavior leads to the continuous republishing of variants, polluting the npm registry and potentially allowing for further exploitation by malicious actors. The malicious payload can affect developers' reputations and the overall security of the npm ecosystem.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall crude_constrictor_z3nIf it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
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Workaround
As a temporary workaround, you can avoid using the crude_constrictor_z3n package and monitor your package-lock.json file for any dependencies that may introduce this vulnerability. Additionally, consider using tools like Vulert to monitor your project for vulnerabilities without needing to access the code directly.
Conclusion
The crude_constrictor_z3n package has been identified as containing malicious code that poses a significant risk to developers and the npm ecosystem. It is crucial to remove this package and monitor your project for vulnerabilities to maintain security.
See every vulnerability recorded for crude_constrictor_z3n →
FAQ
The crude_constrictor_z3n package is an npm package involved in the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which automates the generation of derivative packages.
The vulnerability can lead to the pollution of the npm registry and may compromise your project's integrity by introducing malicious code.
You should remove the crude_constrictor_z3n package from your project and monitor for any updates or patches.
Yes, you can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without needing to sign up.
Regularly monitor your dependencies using tools like Vulert and keep your packages updated to the latest secure versions.
